At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, WASCAL has reaffirmed its pivotal role in advancing West Africa’s energy transition, emphasizing its contributions in research, policy support, and capacity building toward a sustainable future driven by green hydrogen.
Through its sessions on “Enabling Frameworks to Harness the Green Hydrogen Future in West Africa” and “Leveraging Capacity Building, Research, and Innovation to Drive Green Hydrogen Development in West Africa,” WASCAL showcased the region’s abundant solar and wind resources and favorable production conditions. The institution highlighted findings from its H2Atlas initiative, demonstrating how these natural assets can be transformed into economic growth, energy security, and climate resilience, positioning West Africa as a hub in the global green hydrogen landscape.
During the session on enabling frameworks for green hydrogen development, WASCAL’s Executive Director, Prof. Emmanuel Wendsongré Ramdé, stressed the region’s opportunity to lead the global clean energy transition. “West Africa has tremendous potential in renewable energy and green hydrogen. By strengthening skills, supporting innovation, and fostering collaboration, we can build a sustainable energy future that benefits our communities,” he said.
Addressing the critical role of capacity building, research, and innovation in advancing green hydrogen in West Africa, Dr. Bruno Korgo, Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen Regional Coordinator, highlighted the efforts WASCAL deploys to build technical expertise, foster research, and promote innovation.
“By supporting the development of the ECOWAS Green Hydrogen Policy and Strategic Framework, developing the capacities of regional public and private actors, and implementing our International Master’s Programme in Energy and Green Hydrogen, WASCAL prepares the next generation of leaders to drive green hydrogen development in West Africa,” he added.
Discussions also identified essential steps to unlock West Africa’s green hydrogen potential, including closing infrastructure and financing gaps, improving water management, ensuring safety standards, and enhancing regional coordination.
The key takeaway is that West Africa has enormous green hydrogen potential, but the time for action is now. Addressing infrastructure and financing gaps, improving water management, ensuring safety standards, and fostering collaboration across all sectors are critical to turning this potential into reality.
